Depressive Cognitive Disorders

Overview

4.6 out of 5 (33 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post-Assessment Questions

6

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

14 Sep 2025

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Depressive cognitive disorders, formerly termed pseudodementia, are characterized by impairments in memory, executive function, attention, and language that resemble neurocognitive disorders but arise from underlying psychiatric conditions, most commonly depression. These disorders are frequently observed in older adults and can be difficult to distinguish from dementia or other neurocognitive syndromes. Symptoms may include disorientation, inattention, and short-term memory loss, complicating accurate diagnosis. Overlap with neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders further challenges evaluation, as patients with depression may present with cognitive decline, while patients with neurocognitive disorders may demonstrate depressive symptoms. Mental symptoms associated with depression can persist as residual symptoms despite mood improvement and, in some cases, may predict later neurocognitive decline. Although some patients experience reversible cognitive impairment, the evidence regarding prognosis is mixed. Recognition of depressive cognitive disorders is essential for appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of unnecessary disability, morbidity, and mortality.

This activity enables clinicians to strengthen competence in identifying, evaluating, and managing depressive cognitive disorders using evidence-based approaches. Participants learn to differentiate depressive cognitive disorders from neurocognitive conditions and to recognize when underlying psychiatric illness contributes to cognitive dysfunction. Instruction emphasizes diagnostic accuracy, recognition of potentially reversible causes, and use of structured assessments to guide clinical decision-making. Clinicians also gain insight into treatment strategies that address both mood symptoms and cognitive impairment. Collaboration with an interprofessional healthcare team, including mental health specialists, rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, and primary care clinicians, enhances diagnostic precision, improves treatment planning, and supports long-term rehabilitation. Interprofessional approaches also address psychosocial needs, reduce misdiagnosis, and minimize unnecessary interventions. By implementing collaborative, patient-centered care, clinicians improve safety, optimize functional recovery, and enhance quality of life for individuals experiencing depressive cognitive disorders.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and social workers.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Assess cognitive domains, including memory, executive function, attention, and processing speed, using validated clinical tools in patients with depressive symptoms.

  • Compare depressive cognitive disorders with neurocognitive disorders to distinguish overlapping features and refine diagnostic accuracy.

  • Differentiate reversible depressive cognitive disorders from progressive neurodegenerative conditions by integrating clinical evaluation, psychiatric history, and structured assessments.

  • Coordinate with the interprofessional team to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with depressive cognitive disorder to improve patient outcomes.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.


As a Jointly Accredited Organization, StatPearls, LLC is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. StatPearls, LLC maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.00 continuing education credits.

Social Workers: StatPearls, LLC designates this continuing education activity for 1.00 ASWB ACE credit(s) for social workers. Social Workers should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Thomas P. on 3/13/2021

ROY A. on 11/7/2021

Sara E. on 1/2/2022

Robert T. on 8/24/2022

Peter M. on 9/1/2022

Oula C. on 11/22/2022

Latoya R. on 1/23/2023

Victoria R. on 1/25/2023

JOSE P. on 2/7/2023

no comments

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Arash S. on 4/22/2023

Peter M. on 6/12/2023

Marilyn K. on 7/26/2023

Amit P. on 7/31/2023

Yan L. on 9/28/2023

Elizabeth S. on 10/19/2023

Diane P. on 11/12/2023

P m. on 12/5/2023

Wojciech F. on 1/3/2024

Jeffrey H. on 1/13/2024

THAN A. on 3/7/2024

Joseph S. on 3/10/2024

Khalid R. on 4/16/2024

Azzam A. on 5/10/2024

Jacquelyn F. on 6/24/2024

Rex G. on 7/2/2024

Oula C. on 11/7/2024

Roshni P. on 11/13/2024

Manuel M. on 1/4/2025

Corie B. on 2/12/2025

Seth D. on 2/25/2025

Rachel B. on 6/14/2025

Elizabeth C. on 8/31/2025

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